LYNN — St. Pius V School, a Catholic institution serving more than 300 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Founded in 1945 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and St. Pius V Parish, the school has become a staple of faith-based education in the Lynn community.
To commemorate the milestone, the school will host an 80th Anniversary Gala on April 25 at the Knights of Columbus in Lynn. The event will bring together school families, alumni, and faculty to celebrate St. Pius V’s history and raise funds for the school’s ongoing improvement. Alumni, community members, and local businesses are contributing by donating auction items, purchasing program ads, and sponsoring the event. Additional information about the gala and ways to support the school can be found at stpiusvschool.org/donate/auction.cfm.
The school began with just two grades in 1945 after the parish purchased the former Sanborn public school building on Maple Street from the city of Lynn. The current school building on Bowler Street, constructed in 1959, was designed to include living quarters for the Sisters of Saint Joseph on the third floor, with classrooms on the first and second floors.
Over the years, the faculty has evolved from resident nuns to dedicated teachers. The sisters’ former living spaces have been transformed into the Callahan Science Center and resource rooms, and modern educational technology has been integrated into all classrooms. Despite these changes, the school has remained true to its motto: “Do your best and be kind to others.”
“Saint Pius V School has educated students throughout the Lynn area for decades teaching critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. We continue to provide our students with limitless possibilities for the future while also instilling Christ-centered Catholic values. I believe Saint Pius V School is truly one of the best gifts parents or grandparents can give to their child,” said Mary Beth Noe, principal of St. Pius V School.
The school’s alumni have made lasting contributions to the community, serving as business owners, school leaders, health care workers, police chiefs, and elected officials. Graduates of St. Pius V have also made their mark beyond Lynn, becoming scientists, authors, executives, and other professionals.
“As a second-grade student at St. Pius, my teacher Mrs. Murray inspired me to become a teacher. She was kind, humorous, creative, and engaging. As I reflect on my 42 years as a kindergarten teacher at St. Pius, I have aspired to follow in Mrs. Murray’s footsteps while participating in the ongoing legacy of kindness and community at St. Pius V School,” said Cherie Maestranzi, a St. Pius alumna and who has taught kindergarten at the school for 42 years.
“As an alumna of the school, I feel truly blessed that I have had the opportunity for the past 15 years to pass on the values I learned here on to my students. I am also blessed to be able to include my own two children in the St. Pius V school community,” said Amanda Valdes, a St. Pius alumna, current fourth-grade teacher of 15 years, and parent of a current student.
“St. Pius is an amazing school that really prepares students for the years ahead in high school and beyond. I see my own students excel as I hear about them as young adults, and I see my own twins now preparing for college after successful educational experiences at St. Pius V and Malden Catholic High School,” said Amanda Smith, a first grade teacher of 30 years at St. Pius and parent of St. Pius alumni.
Under the leadership of Principal Mary Beth Noe, St. Pius V School continues to build on its legacy of faith, education, and service while adapting to the needs of modern education.
